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Ford Taurus 2010 Owners Manual

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    							If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency
    gives to you.
    Do not attach safety chains to the bumper.
    Trailer brakes
    Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer brakes are
    safe if installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer’s
    specifications. The trailer brakes must meet local and Federal
    regulations.
    WARNING:Do not connect a trailer’s hydraulic brake system
    directly to your vehicle’s brake system. Your vehicle may not
    have enough braking power and your chances of having a collision
    greatly increase.
    WARNING:Do not operate Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
    when towing a trailer equipped with brakes. Aftermarket trailer
    brakes will not function properly when ACC is activated, which may
    lead to loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of serious injury.
    The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
    GVWR not GCWR.
    Trailer lamps
    Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure all running
    lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working. Do not
    connect trailer lamps directly to your vehicle’s tail lamps. This can cause
    damage to your vehicle’s electrical system. Contact your authorized
    dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for
    hooking up trailer lamps.
    Driving while you tow
    When towing a trailer:
    •Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off
    automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
    •Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
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    							•It is recommended to select the L (Low) gear position when additional
    engine braking is needed. In situations such as prolonged downhill
    driving on steep grades (i.e., driving in mountainous areas), additional
    engine braking is needed to reduce the load on the vehicle’s regular
    brake system to prevent them from overheating.
    •Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
    Servicing after towing
    If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
    frequent service intervals. Refer to yourscheduled maintenance
    informationfor more information.
    Trailer towing tips
    •Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to
    get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make
    wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
    •Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
    •If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear. Do
    not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become
    less effective.
    •The trailer tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer
    weight.
    •After you have traveled 50 miles (80 km), thoroughly check your
    hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
    •To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot
    weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park).
    •Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
    park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.
    RECREATIONAL TOWING
    Follow these guidelines for your specific powertrain combination to tow
    your vehicle for personal travel (such as behind a motor home or a
    truck).
    Note:Put your climate control system in recirculated air mode to
    prevent exhaust fumes from entering the vehicle. Refer to theClimate
    Controlschapter for more information.
    In case of roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle, please refer to
    Wrecker towingin theRoadside Emergencieschapter.
    These guidelines are designed to prevent damage to your vehicle.
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    							Front Wheel Drive (FWD) vehicles:
    Tow your Front Wheel Drive vehicle with all four wheels on the ground
    or with the front wheels off the ground by using a tow dolly. If you are
    using a tow dolly follow the instructions specified by the equipment
    provider.
    All Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicles:
    Tow your All Wheel Drive vehicle with all four wheels on the ground or
    with all four wheels off the ground using a vehicle transport trailer.Do
    not tow your All Wheel Drive vehicle with the front wheels off
    the ground (by using a tow dolly) and the rear wheels on the
    ground.This will cause damage to your AWD system. If you are using a
    vehicle transport trailer, follow the instruction specified by the
    equipment provider.
    Note:If you tow your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground, follow
    these instructions:
    •Tow only in the forward direction.
    •Release the parking brake.
    •Place the transmission shift lever in N (Neutral).
    •Place the ignition in the accessory position (refer toStartingin the
    Drivingchapter).
    •Do not exceed 65 mph (105 km/h)
    •Start the engine and allow it to run for five minutes at the beginning
    of each day and at each fuel stop.
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    							STARTING
    Positions of the ignition (if equipped)
    If your vehicle is equipped with a push button start system, refer to
    Push button start systemin this section for ignition modes.
    1. Off— locks the gearshift lever
    and allows key removal. This
    position also shuts the engine and
    all electrical accessories off.
    2. Accessory— allows the electrical
    accessories such as the radio to
    operate while the engine is not
    running.
    3. On— all electrical circuits operational. Warning lights illuminated. Key
    position when driving.
    4. Start— cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine
    starts.
    Starting your vehicle
    This system meets all Canadian interference-causing equipment standard
    requirements regulating the impulse electrical field strength of radio
    noise.
    Don’t press the accelerator before or during starting. Only use the
    accelerator when you have difficulty starting the engine. For more
    information on starting the vehicle, refer toStarting the enginein this
    chapter.
    To avoid potential transmission damage at extremely cold temperatures
    (below -20°F [-30°C]), it is recommended that the vehicle be warmed up
    to normal operating temperature before driving at highway speeds above
    50 mph (80 km/h). Normal operating temperature is normally reached
    after 10 minutes of moderate driving or idling.
    WARNING:Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce
    very high temperatures in the engine and exhaust system,
    creating the risk of fire or other damage.
    WARNING:Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass
    or other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up the
    engine compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
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    							WARNING:Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in
    other enclosed areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open
    the garage door before you start the engine. SeeGuarding against
    exhaust fumesin this chapter for more instructions.
    WARNING:If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have
    your dealer inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you
    smell exhaust fumes.
    Important safety precautions
    When the engine starts, the idle RPM runs higher than normal in order
    to warm the engine. If the engine idle speed does not slow down
    automatically, have the vehicle checked.
    Before starting the vehicle:
    1. Make sure all vehicle occupants have buckled their safety belts. For
    more information on safety belts and their proper usage, refer to the
    Seating and Safety Restraintschapter.
    2. Make sure vehicle accessories are off.
    •Make sure the parking brake is
    set.
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    							•Make sure the gearshift lever is in
    P (Park).
    3. Turn the key to 3 (on) without
    turning the key to 4 (start).
    If your vehicle is equipped with a
    push button start system, refer to
    Push button start systemin this
    section for ignition modes.
    Some warning lights will briefly illuminate. SeeWarning lights and
    chimesin theInstrument Clusterchapter for more information
    regarding the warning lights.
    Starting the engine
    Note:If your vehicle is equipped with a push button start system, refer
    toPush button start systemin this section for starting.
    1. Turn the key to 3 (on) without
    turning the key to 4 (start).
    2. Turn the key to 4 (start), then
    release the key as soon as the
    engine begins cranking. Your vehicle
    has a computer assisted cranking
    system that assists in starting the
    engine. After releasing the key from
    the 4 (start) position, the engine may continue cranking for up to
    10 seconds or until the vehicle starts.
    Note:Cranking may be stopped at any time by turning the key to the off
    position.
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    							3. After idling for a few seconds, release the parking brake, apply the
    brake, shift into gear and drive.
    Note:If the engine does not start on the first try, turn the vehicle to the
    off position, wait 10 seconds and try Step 2 again. If the engine still fails
    to start, press the accelerator to the floor and try Step 2 again, keeping
    the accelerator on the floor until the engine begins to accelerate above
    cranking speeds; this will allow the engine to crank with the fuel shut off
    in case the engine is flooded with fuel.
    Push button start system (if equipped)
    If your vehicle is equipped with the
    push button start system, you can
    start your vehicle by pressing the
    start button in combination with the
    brake pedal rather than using a key.
    The start button is located on the
    instrument panel to right of the
    steering wheel.
    In order to operate the Push Button
    Start system and start your vehicle,
    your Intelligent Access key (IA key)
    must be present inside the vehicle, either in the passenger compartment
    or in the trunk.
    Ignition modes
    1. Off — press and release the START/STOP button without applying the
    brake pedal when your vehicle is in accessory or on modes or when the
    engine is running.Note:When the vehicle is in motion, a single press
    and release of the START/STOP button will not switch off the engine. In
    order to switch off the engine while the vehicle is in motion, press and
    hold the START/STOP button for at least one second.
    2. Accessory — press and release the START/STOP button without
    applying the brake pedal. This allows electrical accessories such as the
    radio to operate while the engine is not running. ACCESSORY POWER
    ACTIVE and PRESS BRAKE TO START will be displayed in the message
    center. Refer toMessage centerin theInstrument Clusterchapter for
    more information.
    3. On — press and hold the START/STOP button for at least one second
    without applying the brake pedal. This will power your vehicle’s electrical
    system and the warning lights in the instrument cluster will illuminate,
    but the engine will remain off.Note:You cannot immediately start your
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    							vehicle from the on mode. If you would like to start the vehicle and you
    are in on mode, you must first switch the vehicle off.
    4. Start — press the START/STOP button (for any length of time) while
    applying the brake pedal.Note:The indicator light on the start button
    will illuminate when the vehicle is in on mode and when the engine is
    started.
    There may be areas inside your vehicle where the IA key is not detected.
    If the message NO KEY DETECTED appears on your message center
    when you press the START/STOP button, it may be necessary to move
    your IA key to another area within the vehicle. The IA key may not be
    detected near the roof (between the driver or passenger sunvisor and
    the roof, or in the overhead console area) or in the extreme corners of
    the rear package tray, near your audio speakers. It is not recommended
    that you stow the IA key in these locations. If you move the IA key to a
    location where it has been detected before and you still see the NO KEY
    DETECTED message, your IA key’s battery may be low or you may be in
    an area with excessive radio frequency interference. If this occurs, you
    can use the backup method to start your vehicle (see below).
    Backup Method of Starting:Your
    IA key uses a radio frequency signal
    to communicate with your vehicle
    and authorize your vehicle to start
    when you press the START/STOP
    button and apply the brake pedal. If
    excessive radio frequency
    interference is present in the area,
    or if the battery in your IA key is
    low, it may be necessary to start
    your car by inserting the IA key in
    the backup slot, located in your center console utility compartment.
    Insert the IA key into the slot with buttons facing out and with key ring
    up. After inserting the IA key into the backup slot, use the START/STOP
    button and brake pedal to start your vehicle as usual. The vehicle should
    respond normally as long as the IA key is in the backup slot in the
    center console utility compartment. Once the vehicle is started, the IA
    key can be removed from the backup slot, if desired.
    Fast Restart Feature:The Fast Restart feature allows you to re-start
    your vehicle within 20 seconds of switching the vehicle off, if a valid IA
    key is not present when the vehicle is switched off. When you switch
    your vehicle off without a IA key in the passenger compartment or trunk,
    the message RESTART NOW OR KEY IS NEEDED will be displayed on
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    							the message center. You can re-start the vehicle (by applying the brake
    pedal and pressing the START/STOP button) for up to 20 seconds, even
    though the IA key is not present. After 20 seconds have expired, you can
    no longer start your vehicle without the IA key present inside the
    vehicle.
    Switching the Vehicle Off when not in Park:It is recommended that
    you shift into the Park position before switching your vehicle off. If you
    switch your vehicle off with the shifter in any position other than Park,
    the message SHIFT TO PARK will be displayed in the message center. If
    the vehicle is left in this state, your key in ignition chime will activate
    when the driver door is opened, and you may drain your vehicle’s
    battery. In order to avoid draining your battery, it is recommended that
    you always shift to park before or immediately after switching your
    vehicle off.
    Absence of the Intelligent Access key:Once the vehicle has started,
    the vehicle will remain running until being turned off by the
    START/STOP button, even if the IA key is no longer found in the vehicle.
    Whenever a door is opened and then closed while the vehicle is running,
    the system will search for a IA key inside the vehicle and the message
    center will display NO KEY DETECTED if the IA key is no longer
    present. This message is intended as a reminder that someone else in the
    vehicle may have taken the IA key when exiting the vehicle. If the IA key
    is no longer present in the vehicle, you will not be able to re-start your
    vehicle outside of the Fast Restart time (seeFast Restart Feature
    above). It is important to be aware of where your IA key is located in the
    vehicle, to avoid becoming stranded without a IA key.
    Guarding against exhaust fumes
    Carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid
    its dangerous effects.
    WARNING:If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have
    your dealer inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you
    smell exhaust fumes.
    Important ventilating information
    If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped for a long period of
    time, open the windows at least one inch (2.5 cm) or adjust the heating
    or air conditioning to bring in fresh air.
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    							ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (IF EQUIPPED)
    An engine block heater warms the engine coolant which aids in starting
    and allows the heater/defroster system to respond quickly. If your vehicle
    is equipped with this system, your equipment includes a heater element
    which is installed in your engine block and a wire harness which allows
    the user to connect the system to a grounded 120 volt A/C electrical
    source. The block heater system is most effective when outdoor
    temperatures reach below 0°F (-18°C).
    WARNING:Failure to follow engine block heater instructions
    could result in property damage or physical injury.
    WARNING:To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not use
    your heater with ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged
    (cheater) adapters.
    Prior to using the engine block heater, follow these recommendations for
    proper and safe operation:
    •For your safety, use an outdoor extension cord that is product
    certified by Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) or Canadian Standards
    Association (CSA). Use only an extension cord that can be used
    outdoors, in cold temperatures, and is clearly markedSuitable for Use
    with Outdoor Appliances.Never use an indoor extension cord
    outdoors; it could result in an electric shock or fire hazard.
    •Use a 16 gauge outdoor extension cord, minimum.
    •Use as short an extension cord as possible.
    •Do not use multiple extension cords. Instead, use one extension cord
    which is long enough to reach from the engine block heater cord to
    the outlet without stretching.
    •Make certain that the extension cord is in excellent condition (not
    patched or spliced). Store your extension cord indoors at
    temperatures above 32°F (0°C). Outdoor conditions can deteriorate
    extension cords over a period of time.
    •To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not use your heater with
    ungrounded electrical systems or two pronged (cheater) adapters.
    Also ensure that the block heater, especially the cord, is in good
    condition before use.
    •Make sure that when in operation, the extension cord plug /engine
    block heater cord plug connection is free and clear of water in order
    to prevent possible shock or fire.
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